I will continue to run until these legs can no longer carry me.
You never would have heard me speak these words three years ago. Instead you would have heard – running isn’t for everyone, or I can do lots of other things for a workout instead of running. Needless to say, I’ve changed.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not about catching the bug, or feeling a part of a group, or even accomplishing a goal. It is because I can.
I’m sure you have heard this phrase before – I run because I can. I have too, but last night it hit home for me as often occurs when I take part in race events. I moved from a feeling of because I can to one of I should be ashamed of myself if I don’t.
Last night was the Midsummer Night’s 5K in downtown Lexington, KY. It is one of my favorite races, but because of living abroad I haven’t been able to run it in three years. It begins at 8:30 so it is in the dark, and the course is through downtown where everyone out partying at the bars and restaurants on a Saturday night comes out and cheers for you.
It was almost rained out, but the weather cleared just before the start. The turnout was huge and I was in a pack throughout the whole run which is unusual for a 5K around here.
At about 1.5 miles, I saw a police motorcycle with flashing lights ahead. I realized that he was following the one wheelchair participant who started 5 minutes before the runners. The runners were now passing him in masses.
I ran by him debating on whether or not to cheer, then I decided when in doubt at a fitness event – open your mouth! I cheered and clapped as loud as I could as I passed. I then heard several others do the same behind me. I teared up immediately afterward. I can be so darn emotional!
I wondered what he felt as all the runners passed him. Maybe it was motivating. For me it would have been intimidating because there were so many people.
It was then that I thought how sad it would be if I didn’t take full advantage of these functioning legs I’ve been blessed with. Shame on me if I don’t take the opportunity to push myself, fight through the aching joints, and improve my health and wellness by running.
Thus far in training for this half marathon I’ve been having a tough time. I’m struggling with running 4 and 6 miles, the same way I was with running 9 and 10 for the last half. It’s a little too early to be having such a hard time in my opinion. I’ve blamed it on the humidity, the 3 lbs I gained which I’ve since lost along with the 10 more I still need to lose, sugar in my diet, and the occasional alcoholic beverage. A lot of things have received the blame for my sluggishness.
Now, though, I really think I just needed that extra boost. An event or person to motivate me again, to force me to appreciate this gift, these legs I have. After last night I’m ready to face this half marathon in October with full force!
My goal at the beginning of the summer was to run last night’s 5K at a 10:30 pace, but after struggling through a couple recent 5Ks at a pace of 11:30 and 11:10 I really didn’t think it was possible. However, I managed to pull out a 10:40 pace last night! It was close enough to my goal for me considering I had run 4 miles that morning to ensure I got a total of 7 for my training program. I definitely found the motivation I needed.
My goal this week is to focus as strongly on my cross training as my running, and I have a few products I received for review that I’ve been using in my cross training. I’ll mention those next week.
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Along with my weekend training recaps, I will keep up with Links to a Healthy Weekend. So even if you have no interest in the exercise side of things, you’ll still find some great links for your weekend reading! Here are some of my favorites this week.
Seed and Seaweed Bars from A Smart Mouth sound like the ultimate snack. Despite the name, which may make them appear overwhelming, they appear quite easy to make. I’m definitely going to give them a try especially now that we have a new Asian market open in town!
Whole Wheat Graham Crackers from Deliciously Organic is just the kind of recipe I’ve been looking for. I’ve wanted to make my own graham crackers, but have had trouble finding graham flour around here. As soon as I get my hands on some I’ll be making these!
The 50 Best Cookbooks of All Time from The Observer will help you round out your collection. I only have one updated version of those listed so I have a lot more to add. I was glad to discover so many with such history.
Lori this was a great post! I get totally emotional during races. I tear up when I see people cheering or when someone has their own private fan club. The support is amazing and I love it.
Running is hard and sometimes I think people forget that, especially other runners. I like the sense of accomplishment I feel after a great run. I like knowing that I did something for my body and my health. I too run because I can.
Congratulations on reaching your goal! This was a very inspiring blog post. 🙂
This post makes me want to start running. I am one of those people who say that running isn’t for me. It’s so hard and painful at times. I hope that I get to the state that you are at someday. By the way, is that a kabocha you’re growing?
I would have teared up during the cheering too. I think it’s great that you cheered!
Now that I’ve been told NOT to run for three weeks, I really appreciate that with a little physical therapy and muscle conditioning, I will be able to run again. Slowly but surely.
Sounds like your race was great! Congratulations! 🙂
WAY to go!!!!!! that’s awesome-keep it up!
This is such a great post Lori!
I was actually just thinking that I should sign up for a race so that I start running again – love your point that we should because we CAN and for that we are lucky!
Congratulations Lori! The little kabocha is so cute 🙂
This post is so inspirational Lori! I just found out I can run again, and starting up after being injured for eight months is so hard. And discouraging. It just seems like i’ll never get back to that place where I was (and yes the 15 pounds I gained in the interim is NOT helping…but it’s going to be gone. Soon. I swear it.) but this post has encouraged me to just take comfort in the fact that I CAN run and to keep on trucking! Congrats on your time babe, that’s awesome!
Andrea – Yeah, sometimes I think I get turned off by the competitive edge with running, but then I see the small fan clubs and the support out there and my spark is renewed.
Mother Rimmy – Thank you! So glad you liked it. I just like to write what I feel with these posts.
FLB – I still know that it isn’t for everybody, but I do wish people would give it more of a fair shot. 🙂 I also think that right now isn’t the time for everyone to start. The opportunity and desire will come if one is meant to pursue it. It’s actually a cantaloupe and will turn white/tan soon. I do wish I had some kabocha athough!
Amanda – Best wishes on your recovery. I hope it goes well!
Elizabeth – Thanks!
Emily – You should! Even if I didn’t like running, which I do still struggle from time to time, I love the race atmosphere. So many people there to better their fitness and have fun. It is so great to be a part of it!
Juliana – Thanks! It is actually a baby cantaloupe, but I do wish I had some kabocha! 🙂
Joanne – I’m so glad you’ve gotten clearance to run again. That is great news! Hang in there and don’t worry a thing about that weight. The downfall of us foodie’s for sure. We have to keep up that activity to eat all this good stuff and when we can’t be active here come the pounds. 🙂 It will be a thing of the past soon enough. Hang in there. I look forward to reading about your getting back into running.
Good for you!
Run because you love to run 🙂 Proud of you, at any pace!
Michelle – Thanks! The truth is I don’t love it. Ha, ha! My desire to run comes from other strange feelings. Maybe I’ll post more about that next week. 🙂
Bravo, Lori! Thank you for the inspiration – I may not be a runner, but there are so many things that I do which I sometimes give up on because of fatigue, lack of self-confidence, and whatever excuses I can come up with.
Instead, I will keep in mind your message: be thankful for our capabilities, not matter what they are. Small victories are still victories! 8-D